Palestine High School Alumni Association

Michael was born on December 29, 1989, in Palestine, Texas. He graduated from Palestine High School in 2008. He had been employed with Shep’s Bar-B-Que, Wal-Mart Warehouse 6036, and at the time was working for Bob Mitchell, Inc. Michael was on his father’s crew and they rode to work together every day.

He had a sweet tooth for chocolate and Snickers was his favorite candy bar. His Chiweenie, Red, was his little sidekick that he would watch Netflix with. And if you heard music coming down the street, it was most likely Mikey and his partner in crime Kenny Gee. Michael was an avid soccer fanatic. He started playing at the age of 7, continued through grade school, and to this date still had a game every Sunday with his friends. His favorite teams were Manchester United and Real Madrid. His soccer idol was Cristiano Ronaldo. He adored the Dallas Cowboys, like a true Texan, sporting their gear throughout the football season.

Michael and his fiancé Michelle had just recently found out the exciting news that she was expecting and he was anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first child. Michael was always trying to make everyone smile. He was a joker that loved to goof around and crack everybody up. Michael was always the center of attention at every family gathering. He will truly be missed and always be in our hearts.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Maria Villa; great aunt and uncle, Micaela Galvan and Evaristo Estrada; great-grandmother, Julia Estrada; and his 3 inseparable friends, Saul Mancera, Jaime Benitez, and Christian Chavez.

He is survived by his fiancé of a year and a half, Michelle Cadena and their unborn child; parents, Alfredo and Juana Estrada; sisters, Yesenia Rivera (Ricardo), Annabel Zamarripa (Anastacio), Brianna Estrada; brothers, Alfredo Estrada Jr. (Raquel), Joe Alexis Estrada (Natelie); and best friend, Kenny Gee. He is also survived by his beloved nephews, Ricardo Jr., Aaron, Adrian, Alan, Julian; and his newborn niece, Layla. He will also be missed by his grandparents, Alberto and Eladia Estrada and Teofilo Lara; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Honorary pallbearers will be Alfredo Estrada Sr., Alfredo Estrada Jr., and Joe Alexis Estrada. Pallbearers will be Hector Lara, Ricardo Rivera, Anastacio Zamarripa, Sammy Vargas, and Kenny Gee.

A rosary will be recited on Friday at 6:30 pm at Herrington / Land of Memory Chapel with a visitation following from 7 -9 pm. Funeral mass will be on Saturday at 10 am at the Knights of Columbus Hall followed by burial at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Most Rev. Edmond Carmody, Vicar General of the Diocese of Tyler, will be officiating with Msgr. Zach and Fr. Matias Rodriguez concelebrating.

The family asks that floral arrangements be sent to Herrington / Land of Memory Funeral Home.